Child&#39;s remote controlled atv

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a system for controlling a toy ATV comprising: a motorized toy ATV, where said ATV is ridable by a child; and an adult operated remote control, where said remote control controls the functions of the ATV and enables an adult to actively control the movement of the ATV while the child rides the ATV. The remote control may include a means to toggle the control of the ATV between the adult remote control and child-operated controls on the ATV. The functions controlled the remote control may include forward, reverse, turning, stopping, starting and speed of the ATV. The remote control includes a mechanism to toggle between the adult controlled remote control and child operated controls on the ATV. In one exemplary embodiment, the remote control has a control radius of at least twenty feet.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/141,903 filed on Dec. 31, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a toy ATV that includes a parent controlled remote control.

2. Description of Related Art

Many children and adults enjoy remote control toys. Cars, planes, video games, helicopters and other electronic toys may provide a means for the user to remotely control the functions related to the toy. The remote control is usually hand held with a means to execute commands related to the functionality of the controlled toy. The remote control uses infrared (IR) signals directed to the toy that coincide with the desired functions. Most remote controls address all functionality associated with the toy. In the case of a car or vehicle, the remote control enables the user to at least control direction, start, stopping and speed of the vehicle. Other functions may include lights, horns, turn signals or features that may be included on the vehicle.

A number of toys utilizing remote controls are miniature replica versions of actual vehicles, planes or likewise. Consequently, the child uses the remote to control the miniature vehicle or plane. In such a circumstance, a child of adequate age and maturity may use the remote control to manipulate the vehicle through a remote control.

Some small children use push vehicles or even motorized vehicles as toys. In the case of a motorized vehicle, a young child may have difficulty in controlling the vehicle due to the child's maturity or knowledge to utilize the controls to maneuver the vehicle. Some toy vehicles capable of being ridden by child may be capable of design that includes the use a remote control. Should such a vehicle include a remote control, then a parent or guardian may control such a motorized vehicle while the child rides without the need for self control of the vehicle. The remote control may also be used to wean the child from reliance on the parental or guardian control of the vehicle. The remote control may also be used to instruct the child on the control of the vehicle and again enable the child to grow to independent functioning of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for controlling a toy ATV comprising: a motorized toy ATV, where said ATV is ridable by a child; and an adult operated remote control, where said remote control controls the functions of the ATV and enables an adult to actively control the movement of the ATV while the child rides the ATV. The remote control may include a means to toggle the control of the ATV between the adult remote control and child-operated controls on the ATV. The functions controlled the remote control may include forward, reverse, turning, stopping, starting and speed of the ATV. The remote control includes a means to toggle between the adult controlled remote control and child operated controls on the ATV. In one exemplary embodiment, the remote control has a control radius of at least twenty feet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary remotely controlled all terrain vehicle and remote control, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Embodiments of the present invention provide entertainment for toddlers and children by means of a remotely controlled all terrain vehicle (ATV) toy. The preferred embodiment is an ATV with a remote control that enables parents or caretakers to control the ATV thus entertaining the child.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary remotely controlled, an all terrain vehicle (ATV) 100 and a remote control 105, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, remote control 105 may be used to maneuver ATV 100 until a child or toddler learns to steer ATV 100 on his or her own. Because ATV 100 can be controlled by remote control 105, a child can enjoy hours of fun without physically exerting their parent or caretaker. In the present embodiment, remote control 105 has an approximate radius of twenty to thirty feet. However, alternate embodiments may use more powerful remote controls with larger control areas. In the present embodiment, the remote control 105 comprises various control buttons such as, but not limited to, a power button, speed increasing and decreasing buttons, directional buttons for steering, a braking button, etc. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that various different types of control buttons may be included on the remote control in alternate embodiments. Both ATV 100 and remote control 105 are battery operated and may be made with rechargeable batteries and battery chargers in some embodiments. Toddlers three years and up can enjoy ATV 100 with adult supervision. Various remotely controlled ATVs, according to embodiments of the present invention, may be designed for both boys and girls in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and designs.

In one particular use of the present embodiment, a child sits on ATV 100, and a caretaker controls the movement of ATV 100 using remote control 105. Remote control 105 enables the caregiver to control various aspects of ATV 100 such as, but not limited to, speed, steering, braking, etc. Once the child is able to maneuver ATV 100 without assistance, the caretaker can turn off remote control 105, enabling the child to steer and otherwise control ATV 100 on their own using controls located on ATV 100.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing remote control all terrain vehicles according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the foregoing disclosure.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A method of instructing a child on the control of a miniature and ridable ATV vehicle comprising: a. providing a remote control for use with the ATV, where the remote control uses controls the functions related to the ATV; b. using the remote control while a child rides on the ATV; c. providing the child with instruction on the independent use of the ATV; d. providing child operated controls on the ATV; and e. terminating use of the remote control after the child acquires adequate skills to control the ATV independently.
 2. The method of instructing a child according to claim 1, where said functions include at least forward, reverse, turning, stopping starting and speed of the ATV.
 3. A system for controlling a toy ATV comprising: a. a motorized toy ATV, where said ATV is ridable by a child; and b. an adult operated remote control, where said remote control controls the functions of the ATV and enables an adult to actively control the movement of the ATV while the child rides the ATV.
 4. The system for controlling a toy ATV according to claim 3, where the remote control includes a means to toggle the control of the ATV between the adult remote control and child operated controls on the ATV.
 5. The system for controlling a toy ATV according to claim 3, where said functions include at least forward, reverse, turning, stopping, starting and speed of the ATV.
 6. The system for controlling a toy ATV according to claim 3, where said remote control has a control radius of at least twenty feet.
 7. The system for controlling a toy ATV according to claim 3, where the ATV and remote control are battery operated.
 8. The system for controlling a toy ATV according to claim 7, where said batteries are rechargeable batteries and said system includes battery chargers. 